Wigan & Warrington 43

FREEPlease take one

MAY -JULY 2015

Tom JonesThe King and I:When Tom Met Elvis

Cook with the Stars!

John Torode, Paul Hollywood, & James Martin

share their favourite recipes

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WIGAN, WARRINGTON& ST. HELENSEDITION 43

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14-15

CONTENTS

10-11I N S I D E . . .10-11 Northern Greece City Breaks in Thessaloniki

12-13 Robinsons Holidays Save up to £100 on your holiday.

14-15 Tom Jones The King and I: When Tom met Elvis.

18-19 The Brindley Theatre What's coming up soon?

27-29 Cook with the Stars! Recipes from your favourite celebrity chefs: John Torode, Paul Hollywood & James Martin.

38-39 How to Choose the Right Home Care Useful pointers to help you.

18-19 27-29

6th Floor | 120 Bark Street | Bolton | BL1 2AXT: (01204) 860 194 | F: (01204) 860 213

e: [email protected]

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Pemberton Lighting is your lighting shop specialist in Wigan and have been trading for over 30 years. With a reputation for quality and service they have an excellent understanding of their client’s needs. Pemberton Lighting

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Bear hug from a lion!Just every so often along comes a story to warm your heart, this is such a story.

In 2012 Valentin Gruener rescued a young lion cub and raised it himself at a wildlife park in Botswana. It was the start of an extraordinary relationship. Now an astonishing scene is repeated each time they meet - the young lion leaps on Gruener and holds him in an affectionate embrace.

“Since the lion arrived, which is three years now, I haven’t really left the camp,” says Gruener.

“Sometimes for one night I go into the town here to organise something for the business, but other than that I’ve been here with the lion.”

The lion he has devoted himself to is Sirga - a female cub he rescued from a holding pen established by a farmer who was fed up with shooting animals that preyed on his cattle.

“The lions had killed the other two or three cubs inside the cage, and the mother abandoned the remaining cub. She was very tiny, maybe 10 days old,” Gruener says.

The farmer, Willy de Graaf, asked Gruener to try to save her and so he took her to a wildlife park financed by de Graaf and became her adoptive mother, “feeding her and taking care of her”.

“You have this tiny cute animal sitting there and it’s already quite feisty,” he says. “It will become about 10 times that size and you will have to deal with it.”

She’s much bigger now, but when Gruener opens her cage she still rushes to greet him - ecstatically throwing her paws around his neck.

“That happens every time I open the door. It is an amazing thing every time it happens, and it’s such a passionate thing to do for this animal to jump and give me a hug,” says Gruener.

“But I guess it makes sense. At the moment she has no other lions with her in the cage and I guess for her I’m like her species. So I’m the only friend she’s got. Lions are social cats so she’s always happy to see me.”

The companions spend their time hanging out in the Botswana bush, doing the kind of things that cats enjoy, such as lying around under trees, play-fighting, and hunting.

“I don’t believe we have to teach the lion to hunt. They have this instinct like a domestic cat or even a dog that will try to hunt. Any cat will catch a bird or a mouse. The lion will catch an antelope when it gets big enough,” Gruener says.

“I’m definitely giving her that opportunity to hunt, about three times a week at the moment. Each walk takes five hours - sometimes up to nine. We sort of hunt together and I’m helping her sometimes, trying to show her how to kill something rather than catch it.”

After Sirga’s first kill Gruener wasn’t sure if it would still be safe for him to get close to the lion. But “she let me come in”, he says. Now he despatches animals the lioness fails to kill quickly enough.

“It’s a bit cruel because she will catch an antelope and hold it down, and when it gets tired she could simply go and bite it in the throat and kill it. But because it’s so exciting she’s like a cat that keeps on playing with the mouse.“It’s not so lovely to watch when a lion has an antelope in front of her and she’s having fun playing with this antelope.”

Willy de Graaf has handed Gruener 500 hectares (two square miles) to create a “miniature park” in which Sirga can roam freely, but she will not be released into the wild. Not because she could not survive, Gruener says, but because she has lost her fear of humans.

Under those circumstances she is likely to get too close to humans, and if there is an accident she will end up getting shot. “And that’s not really the whole point of raising a lion,” Gruener says.

In the park Sirga can live like a wild lion, but remain safe, he says. “That’s the plan for her future.”

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To book or request a brochure call us FREE on 0800 107 1931 or visit www.ribbyhall.co.uk

In the heart of the Lancashire countryside you will find the beautiful Ribby Hall Holiday Village. Over 100 acres of luxury accommodation, restaurants, cafés and bars, leisure facilities and an award winning Spa.

Just a short distance away you’ll find the charming seaside town of Lytham St Annes and the bright lights of Blackpool. With something to keep every age entertained, Ribby Hall Village is the perfect place to enjoy a holiday with family or friends.

Our fabulous cottages, with all the luxuries of home, start from just £279 for six people.

* Terms and conditions apply. £279 lead in price applies to four night break between 20 Nov – 20 Dec 15 in a Poppy Cottage.

holidays

from £279*

for six people!

holidays made toremember

holidays made toremember

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ABTA – the well-respected Association of British Travel Agents – says that their recent research shows that 20 per cent of people surveyed would be spending more on holidays in 2015.They also discovered that nearly seven in 10 people, that’s 68 per cent, took at least one UK holiday last year. Mark Tanzer, ABTA’s chief executive, believes that good weather in the UK in June and July helped. He says that “the research shows there are reasons to be optimistic for 2015.”

All of which is no surprise to the thousands of tourists who flock into Great Britain each year from other countries around the world. They come determined to discover the many attractions here. Perhaps we Brits are simply slower to pick up on noticing the wonders around us, but we are getting better at it.

Andy Kinnaird from Robinsons Holidays knows that the Great British Holiday is very attractive to the homegrown market. His business, based near Blackburn in Lancashire, was established in 1923 and today has 23 coaches with more than 160 staff kept busy dealing with this burgeoning travel market.

He finds that more people than ever are opting to stay in the UK for their annual holidays, citing “the hassle of going through customs and airports etc” as well as the constant discovery of new places without ever leaving these shores.

Favourite destinations for the many people he takes on their holidays around the country include the Isle of Wight, Eastbourne and Torquay. More unusual destinations are the Hebrides, the Isle of Man and the Scilly Isles, although he does transport some foreign visitors like the Australian couple who wanted to tour Scotland.

Andy and his family shunned the charms of the Costas and the Balearics last year for the delights of Camarthen in Wales and Loch Lomond in Scotland. “Yes,” he insists, “like everyone, we appreciate going to beautiful places in the UK.”

TRAVEL

The Great British Holiday

IF there is one thing that the recession has taught us it’s about getting value for money. And it’s not just being pro-British to say that you can now get the best holidays here at home.

If we can stand back a little from the whole subject of holidays and try to take a dispassionate look at what the UK has to offer, there really is something for every traveller and taste.You can take the whole family – including the dog – to a luxury cabin in ancient woodland in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, or wake each day on the banks of an ancient millpond in a beautiful dwelling in Deerpark in Cornwall, deep in a peaceful wooded valley.

If you like walking, you can see the ruggedly beautiful hills of Wales or the sleepy villages set in rural Yorkshire. Stay in a YHA hostel in the South-east and take a gentle family chauffeur punt down the river in Cambridge or experience the thrill of the rides at Chessington World of Adventures.

The great thing about holidaying in the UK with your family is the wonderfully broad spread of activities on offer. Youngsters can run about, take part in planned activity programmes, go swimming or even take their bikes along when you’re having a staycation.


The Best of British Holidays at Ribby Hall VillageImagine your own idyllic pine lodge with outdoor hot tub or a luxurious five-star cottage, exploring 100 acres of beautiful Lancashire countryside. With plenty to enjoy - bars and restaurants, an award-winning spa, tennis, fishing, golf, swimming, cycling or simply chilling poolside with a book – do as much or as little as you like, and at a pace to suit you. Holidays start from £279 for six people. Call 0800 107 0336 or visit ribbyhall.co.uk.

They don’t have to endure tiresome flights, hanging around in airports or not liking the food abroad. Children can make themselves understood to everyone, and discover for themselves just how beautiful is their own country.

Couples can quietly discover the real Downton Abbey – Highclere Castle in Hampshire – where fact meets fiction in fascinating English history. Our country has plenty of history, with stunning landmarks in Norwich spanning the Norman, Medieval, Georgian, Victorian and modern eras to Bath with its fascinating Roman baths. Visit York, where history leaps out at you around every corner. Travel to the capital and see the magnet of attractions that draw the constant crowds to its major art galleries, packed with masterpieces, the British Museum exhibiting the works of man from historic to modern times or the London Eye where the best views over the city are available to fascinate.

A holiday in the UK can turn into the kind of voyage of discovery that used to be reserved for early travellers setting foot in ancient lands for the first time. The sense of wonder is on offer in cities, towns and in tiny hamlets boasting a village church and a history recorded in the Domesday Book.

Our coastlines are among some of the world’s most stunning. Just walk along the rugged cliffs of Boscastle in Cornwall and you’ll be treading on rocks first laid down 300 million years ago. Mind you, it’s also got some of the best beaches, too, and the longest: 476 km of luscious coastline.

You can cycle through the wilds of Yorkshire or take a more sedate luxury barge along the Lancaster Canal – or just please yourself and do both!

NORFOLKSANDRINGHAM HOUSE & ELYSat 8th Augustat HOLIDAY INN, PETERBOROUGH1 Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

WHITBY REGATTA & YORK WEEKENDSat 15th Augustat THISTLE HOTEL, MIDDLESBROUGH1 Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

LONDON CROWN & COMMONS (Buckingham Palace & Houses of Parliament)Sat 29th August1 Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Coach Holidays 2015

237 Manchester Road, Ince, Wigan WN2 2EA Tel: 01942 243165 / 235586 www.grayway.co.uk Email: [email protected]

LLANDUDNOVICTORIAN WEEKEND EXTRAVAGANZA Fri 1st May at GRAND ASH HOTEL 3 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

IRELANDWATERFORD, KILKENNY & DUBLINThur 28th May at TALBOT HOTEL, CARLOW3 Nights Dinner, Bed & Irish Breakfast

LONDONRIVER CRUISE, TOWER OF LONDON & WINDSOR | Thur 28th May at HOLIDAY INN, HEATHROW1 Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

LONDONSHOWBOAT RIVER CRUISE & LONDON SIGHTSEEINGSat 20th June at CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL, HEATHROW1 Night Bed & Breakfast. Meal & Entertainment on Showboat.

TOP OF THE LAKESSat 27th June at SHAP WELLS HOTEL1 Night Bed & Buffet Breakfast

ISLE OF WIGHTSat 11th July ROYAL PIER HOTEL, SANDOWN7 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

ISLE OF WIGHTSat 11th July OCEAN HOTEL, SANDOWN7 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

LEEDSWHITE ROSE & BLACK LIQUORICESat 11th Julyat HILTON HOTEL, LEEDS1 Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Grayway Coaches has remained a family run business for over 40 years providing value for money holidays and high quality service. Our tour drivers are very experienced in all aspects and we aim to make your holiday as enjoyable and as memorable as possible.

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£159

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£299

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£129

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£129

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£99

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£359

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£435

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£89

PLEASE RING FOR OUR FULL HOLIDAY BROCHURE

Find us on Facebook & Twitter

237 Manchester Road, Ince, Wigan WN2 2EA Tel: 01942 243165 / 235586 www.grayway.co.uk Email: [email protected]

Grayway Coaches has remained a family run business for over 40 years providing value for money holidays and high quality service. Our tour drivers are very experienced in all aspects and we aim to make your holiday as enjoyable and as memorable as possible.

TOP OF THE LAKESSat 27th June at SHAP WELLS HOTEL1 Night Bed & Buffet Breakfast

ISLE OF WIGHTSat 11th July ROYAL PIER HOTEL, SANDOWN7 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

ISLE OF WIGHTSat 11th July OCEAN HOTEL, SANDOWN7 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

ONLY

£99

ONLY

£359

PLEASE RING FOR OUR FULL HOLIDAY BROCHURE

Find us on

LEEDSWHITE ROSE & BLACK LIQUORICESat 11th Julyat HILTON HOTEL, LEEDS1 Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

EASTBOURNESat 18th Julyat HADLEIGH HOTEL7 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

CANTERBURY & KENT COASTINC. WHITSTABLE OYSTER FESTIvALFri 24th July at MECURE HOTEL, MAIDSTONE3 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

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£435

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£89

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£399

MURDER MYSTERY WEEKENDSON STEAM TRAIN - PLEASE RING FOR DETAILS

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£229

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£139inc.

Entrances

The Great British Holiday is the one that you like the best. And it’s completely achievable, even with one eye on the weather.


BRITISH & CONTINENTAL DOOR TO DOOR HOLIDAYS, SHORT BREAKS & DAY EXCURSIONS

H O L I D A Y S & T R AV E L

MEMORY LANE is a well established coach company offering a high level of service. Our tour programme offers a wide range of UK and Continental Tours to many destinations and represent good value for money. All our Tour Coaches are air conditioned for

your comfort and most tours include admission with hot and cold drinks available.

Our Diner Coachers offer extra leg room as they are full size vehicles. The on board hostess will offer morning coffee and lunch on touring days. All service and coaches are of the highest quality. Here are just a small selection for 2015

PLEASE VISIT WWW.MEMORYLANETRAVEL.CO.UK FOR MORE DETAILSDATE DESTINATION DAYS HOTEL PRICE DINER SS

JUNE08 Jun BABBACOMBE 7HB Anchorage Hotel £359 YES NIL

09 Jun CANTABRIA & THE PICOS DE EURPOA SPAIN 8HB (2 nights on ship) Hotel Olimpo Isla £699 NO 159

22 Jun ABERFOYLE - Historic Scotland NIgHtLY drINkS vOucHErS 5HB rob roy Hotel £305 NO NIL

22 Jun NR HEREFORD 5HB WArNErS Holme Lacy Hotel £389 NO NIL

28 Jun CUMBRIA - Summer Holiday 6HB gilsland Spa Hotel £354 NO 25

29 Jun SCARBOROUGH 5HB Esplanade Hotel £315 NO NIL

JULY05 Jul ISLE OF MAN 5HB the rutland Hotel £429 NO 45

05 Jul TORQUAY 6HB corbyn Head or Livermead cliff Hotel £445 NO NIL

10 Jul CUMBRIA - Line dance Weekend 3FB gilsland Spa Hotel £169 NO 12

13 Jul ISLE OF WIGHT 5HB WArNErS - Bembridge £359 NO NIL

19 Jul PERTHSHIRE 6HB the Angus Hotel £359 YES NIL

25 Jul PAIGNTON - carnival Week 8HB the Marine Hotel £499 NO NIL

AUGUST01 Aug IRELAND - tAPEStrIES & tHrONES 5HB dunadry Hotel & country club £429 NO 90

01 Aug JERSEY BY AIR 8HB the Mayfair Hotel £619 NO NIL

07 Aug NORFOLK & NORWICH 5HB BW george Hotel £359 NO 40

09 Aug EDINBURGH TATTOO - good tickets included 3HB Best Western kings Manor Hotel £289 NO 50

16 Aug BOURNEMOUTH - Air Show 6HB Hinton Firs Hotel £439 YES NIL

17 Aug CITY OF DURHAM & BEAMISH 5HB radisson Blu Hotel & Beamish £365 NO 84

22 Aug EDINBURGH TATTOO - good tickets included 3HB Best Western kings Manor Hotel £289 NO 50

30 Aug EASTBOURNE - Summer Holiday 7HB Haddon Hall Hotel £435 NO NIL

SEPTEMBER

05 Sept KILLARNEY 6HB killarney towers Hotel £458 NO 120

07 Sept DUNOON - Executive tour 5HB Esplanade Hotel £309 NO 40

13 Sept LLANDUDNO 6HB Queens Hotel £389 NO 28

13 Sept BAMBURGH - Northumberland coast & country 6HB victoria Hotel £439 YES NIL

21 Sept BLACKPOOL 5HB Park House Hotel £275 NO NIL

22 Sept AUSTRIA - PAckEd LuNcH & FrEE BAr in Austria 10FB Zentral Hotel, kirchburg £725 NO 120

28 Sept ISLE OF WIGHT - SHANKLIN 6HB channel view Hotel £449 NO NIL

OCTOBER 02 Oct BLACKPOOL 4HB Park House Hotel £254 NO NIL

05 Oct JERSEY BY AIR 6HB the Mayfair Hotel £449 NO NIL

09 Oct CUMBRIA - Line dance Weekend 3FB gilsland Spa £169 NO 12

11 Oct BOURNEMOUTH 6HB Hinton Firs Hotel £339 YES NIL

14 Oct DOC MARTIN’S CORNWALL - Inc Eden Project 6HB rosemundy House Hotel £399 NO NIL

19 Oct HAMPSHIRE 5HB WArNErS - Sinah Warren £349 NO NIL

19 Oct HAMPSHIRE 5HB Lakeside complex £295 NO NIL


For full details and daily itineraries see our brochure or visit our website:www.memorylanetravel.co.uk Booking hotline: 01942 728 960

Memory Lane Holidays & Travel, Heath Street, Golborne, Warrington WA3 3AD

CALL NOW FOR OUR 2015 BROCHURE

DAY EXCURSIONS 2015 ~ BOOKING HOTLINE 01942 728960

4/07 WELL DRESSING IN DERBYSHIRE Depart 09.30am Return 4.30pm £16.50

19/07 FLEETWOOD TRANSPORT FESTIVAL & MARKET Depart 09.15am Return 5pm £10.90

21/07 CLITHEROE (MARKET DAY) & BARDEN MILL Depart 01.30pm Return 4.30pm £11.90

24/07 SOUTHPORT & THE TALBOT HOTEL PARTY AFTERNOON Depart 10.30am Return 4pm £22

25/07 SHREWSBURY Depart 8.30am Return 4.30pm £19.80

12/08 HARROGATE & KNARESBOROUGH Depart 8.30am Return 4.30pm £16.50

13/08 KETTLEWELL SCARECROW FESTIVAL Depart 8.30am Return 4.30pm £16.20

15/08 LYTHAM 1940s FESTIVAL Depart 9.00am Return 4.30pm £10.50

22/08 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW OR SHOPPING Depart 9.15am Return 4.30pm £10.50

This tradition dates back many years and is a simple but effective way of decorating water supplies, we make our way to our first visit Chapel en le Firth set close to the Peak District National Park, here there are normally 7 wells to find we depart here around 12noon to Buxton for the afternoon this attractive town has 3 or 4 wells and many shops and places of interest, including St Anne’swell, the Famous Crescent building Opera House etc and a small market, we depart for home at 4.30pm.

A day of transport through the ages and for all ages, including many of the now historic Blackpool Trams hardly seen these days also Fleetwood’s famous market will be open to search out a bargain, stroll around the exhibits all for free, There is plenty of family entertainment from the Fun Fair to boat rides, a truly great day for all. We depart for home at 5pm.

The pretty town of Clitheroe is our first stop today, attractive shops and interesting Norman Castle and today is also market day,departing here about 1.30, we travel via Pendle Hill to the Pendle Village and Barden Mill complex now claiming to be one of the best shopping outlets in the area, we depart for home at 4.30pm.

A prompt start and off to Southport for 10 30 we allow a couple of hours for a stroll around Lord St or the see front before we arrive at The Talbot Hotel for our beautifully prepared Roast Lunch, we then have an afternoon of Live entertainment with dancingsinging and bingo, an afternoon of great fun for all, sadly at 4 pm we climb on board the coach for home.

This historic town sits in a loop on the River Severn, an excellent shopping area with many fine buildings, including the Castle andone of Englands famous round churches, the narrow streets and alleyways are great places to explore and you will be surprisedat what you can find here, if The River Severn is of interest you why not take a sail from the Welsh bridge, a full commentary is provided by the excellent crew, We depart for home at 4.30pm

We travel direct to the olde world town Knaresborough, sat on the River Nidd, its street market is on today or you can go sightseeing to Mother Shiptons cave or visit the ruins of the castle, there are walks by the river too, plenty of eating places, after lunch we move to Harrogate this wonderful spa town with its modern shopping area and the famous Betty’s Tea Room, we return via a different routestarting at 4.30pm.

Set deep in the Yorkshire Dales National Park this pretty village, Visitors are encouraged to explore by walking the scarecrow trail, identifying the selected scarecrows, and solving associated clues which, each year, are based on a different theme. Many other scarecrows can be found, often in some of the more unusual and unexpected nooks and crannies, we depart mid afternoon calling at Grassington for about hour to explore this village too, return starts 4.30pm.

The 1940's brought to life with a bang! From the dark days of Dunkirk, through the blitz and hard times on the home front to D-Day and victory in Europe and Asia, come join in the atmosphere and immerse yourself in a brilliant weekend of entertainment, re-enactment and have-a-go fun! Historic Vehicles, music and dance, memorabilia, thrilling battles, educational talks and demonstrations plus living history camp Return 4.30pm.

Flowers, seaside or shopping, the choice is yours we set down close to the flower show at Pleasureland and then to the seafront lots to see & do before our return at 4.30pm .

BOOk iN OUR OFFiCE, OR RiNg ANd pAy WitH yOURdEBit CARd At NO ExtRA CHARgE.

All excursions are pick up & set down on main roads close to your home as practical within our normal area. All pick ups & drop offs are normally completed within 1 hour subject to traffic conditions. Some pick ups are by a feeder vehicle, and where route allows passengers will be first on first off basis. The base time is at Golborne, so some times will be before this time and some will be after depending on the destination.

WE ALWAYS ADVISE PICK UP TIMES BY PHONE THE DAY BEFORE THE EXCURSION.


Despite a cool evening breeze, though still very warm to us, the bars and cafés along the promenade are packed with locals enjoying the balmy evening, chatting and drinking with friends. There is a lively buzz, a friendly, vibrant atmosphere and definitely a feeling of being relaxed and safe in the city. It is the same every evening of the week as the newly-finished 7 km-long promenade is the focal point for people to walk, jog, cycle or simply stroll along by the sea, a live band is playing as a stage is set up for a concert next to the White Tower. This is the emblem of the city, its name referring to a prisoner there painting it white in exchange for his freedom, covering up the walls blood-stained from executions. On a brighter note, there are some impressive public sculptures and gardens along this seafront, especially the metal umbrellas in the late sunshine. There are boat trips around the port and across the bay to Agia Triada (more of

that later), and a little boat regularly goes along the edges clearing any debris. Thessaloniki in northern Greece is a city not always associated with art, food and wine, or as a cultural centre yet it is steeped in history as a geographically strategic point for this region. It is an ideal base to explore the area, particularly for those interested in the culture of Ancient Greece, as well as the superb fine dining. We visited in the first week of September, with temperatures around 25° and bright sunshine. Flight time is just over 3 hours from Manchester airport and it takes around half an hour to get to the city from Macedonia Airport. The first impressions as you drive into the city are of old buildings, not architecturally beautiful as many are 20th century structures and everywhere covered in graffiti, which relates to social comment on the severe financial

troubles Greece suffered a few years ago. Since then, a new Mayor has allocated large surfaces at the sides of specific buildings for graffiti artists to work on so eventually much of this will be removed. However, this first impression should be ignored! Walk around narrow, cobbled streets down to the sea, the old port having been revived with new museums, a photography gallery, cinema and various cultural centres for different exhibitions, events and celebrations throughout the year. This is also the favourite spot for dreamy-eyed young (and old?) lovers to stretch out and talk into the night. Sounds good to me.

We had the privilege of being shown a room at the 5* Excelsior Hotel – what a beautiful, stylish place. It is a splendid old building where original, ornate architectural features have been retained during its recent renovation. If you have an opportunity to stay there, you must.

50 Plus Travel sponsored by

City Breaks to ThessalonikiBy Jacqueline Jeynes from Silver Travel Advisor


Take a half-day city tour and you will really get a feel for the history of Thessaloniki and Greece from ancient times. Located in a strategic position in the Aegian sea, there were three distinct ages of occupation from Romans, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Given this history, there are fantastic churches, synagogues and mosques that contain preserved sections of frescoes and finely-detailed mosaics. A lot has changed over the centuries due to fires and earthquakes, exposing many new archaeological sites. A real must is the history related to the Jewish communities in this city, particularly the devastating impact of their treatment by the Nazi troops during WWII. It is well worth having a guided tour – our guide Konstantinos was so knowledgeable – although you can explore on your own using the hop on-hop off bus number 50 that costs 2 Euros for the day. Their leaflet also suggests short walks you can do from the bus stops, seewww.expertguides.gr.

TRAVEL

Remember to visit the daily market selling all kinds of fresh fruit and vegetables plus an array of olives, of course. There is also fresh meat and fish, though I declined the invitation to take a sheep’s head home with me. And the three famous pastry/sweet shops are truly divine! We tried a small sample shot of luscious, rich chocolate and a silver-wrapped chocolate cigar. For lunch, try the fish and chips at Bakaliarakia (a small restaurant in the Ladadika area), large flat slices of fried potato and crispy batter around tasty white cod, served with thick creamy garlic sauce. An afternoon nap is then recommended. This is a big, bustling city full of life and with plenty to see. The traffic is a bit hectic so you have to have your wits about you, but it is fine if you keep to the proper crossing places. It is not ideal for anyone with mobility issues or wheelchair-users, although across the Bay it is quieter and easier to get around. However, if you love to explore during city breaks, this is a great place to visit.

Silver Travel Advisor is a travel review, information and advice website exclusively for over 50’s, packed with articles, suggestions, tips and ideas. For free and independent travel advice as well as reviews about holidays, hotels, restaurants and days out, please visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com or email [email protected]. It’s free to register as a member of Silver Travel Advisor, and you could win a fabulous holiday prize.

For city breaks to Thessaloniki Silver Travel Advisor recommends Kirker Holidays who offer a range of short breaks and tailor-made holidays throughout Greece and the rest of Europe. Prices start from £598 per person for a three night holiday to Thessaloniki, including return flights, private car transfers and accommodation with breakfast sharing a double room. Kirker clients also receive the exclusive Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge to arrange private guides, book excursions or museum tickets and to reserve a table at a recommended restaurant.

For more information or reservations, contact Kirker Holidays on 020 7593 2283 or visit www.kirkerholidays.com


Visit us online at www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk and book a great deal today!Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

Robinsons Own Hotels

2015Sunny SussexEastbourne

Eastbourne is an “all year round” holiday destination with one of the best sunshine records in the UK.

The Imperial Hotel is an impressive Victorian hotel situated at the seaward end of Devonshire Place, an imposing tree-lined boulevard, less than fifteen minutes walk from the facilities and amenities in the town centre and across the road from the promenade and the bandstand. The hotel offers the guest a good standard of accommodation, spacious lounge areas and a majestic restaurant all in a dignified and tranquil ambience for the discerning holidaymaker.

Hotel amenities

l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryersl Traditional English breakfastl Lunch snacks available dailyl Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffeel Live entertainment most eveningsl Lift serving all floorsl Porterage.

The Garden IsleIsle of Wight

The Isle of Wight offers stunning landscapes, award winning beaches, breath taking seascapes and not forgetting its extensive history.

The Ocean View Hotel is an elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, the balconies provide the perfect place to enjoy the sunset on summer evenings. Guests can unwind in the piano lounge before enjoying an evening meal in the spacious restaurant. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Hotel amenities

l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryersl Traditional English breakfastl Lunch snacks available dailyl Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffeel Live entertainment most eveningsl Indoor heated pooll Indoor bowling green, table tennis and snooker rooml Lift serving all floorsl Porterage.

Delightful DevonTorquay

With its mild climate and trademark Palm Trees, Torquay is one of the UK’s premier seaside resorts and has been fashionable since the 19th Century.

The Abbey Lawn Hotel is an elegant Georgian hotel, in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey, with it’s newly refurbished conservatory / lounge offers the discerning holidaymaker an exceptional standard of comfort throughout.

Many of the bedrooms offer panoramic views of the bay.

Hotel amenities

l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryersl Traditional English breakfastl Lunch snacks available dailyl Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffeel Live entertainment most eveningsl Indoor and seasonal outdoor pooll Lift serving all floorsl Porterage

Freephone: 0800 083 9900 Groups: 0800 785 1025

5 DAYS from ONLY

£159includes 2 excursions

MYSTERY TOURS


Date Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn

06 June £429 £429 £429

13 June £429 £429 £429

20 June £439 £439 £439

27 June £439 £439 £439

04 July £439 £439 £439

11 July £439 £439 £439

18 July £439 £439 £439

25 July £439 £439 £439

01 Aug £439 £439 £439

08 Aug £439 £439 £439

15 Aug £439 £439 £439

22 Aug £439 £439 £439

29 Aug £439 £439 £439

05 Sept £429 £429 £429

12 Sept £429 £429 £429

19 Sept £419 £419 £419

26 Sept £389 £389 £389

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Visit us online at www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk and book a great deal today!Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.


06/07 June £399 £399 £399

13/14 June £399 £399 £399

20/21 June £409 £409 £409

27/28 June £409 £409 £409

04/05 July £409 £409 £409

11/12 July £409 £409 £409

18/19 July £409 £409 £409

25/26 July £409 £409 £409

01/02 Aug £409 £409 £409

08/09 Aug £409 £409 £409

15/16 Aug £409 £409 £409

22/23 Aug £409 £409 £409

29/30 Aug £409 £409 £409

05/06 Sept £399 £399 £399

12/13 Sept £399 £399 £399

19/20 Sept £389 £389 £389

26/27 Sept £359 £359 £359

03/04 Oct £319 £319 £319

10/11 Oct £309 £309 £309

17/18 Oct £299 £299 £299

24/25 Oct £299 £299 £299

8 Day Tours7 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast

Supplements per person 7 Days:Imperial: Premier Room £30

Ocean View: Premier Room £45 -Sea View Room £13Abbey Lawn: Premier Room £40 - Front Facing Room £13


07 June £369 £369 £369

14 June £369 £369 £369

21 June £379 £379 £379

28 June £379 £379 £379

05 July £379 £379 £379

12 July £379 £379 £379

19 July £379 £379 £379

26 July £379 £379 £379

02 Aug £379 £379 £379

09 Aug £379 £379 £379

16 Aug £379 £379 £379

23 Aug £379 £379 £379

30 Aug £379 £379 £379

06 Sept £369 £369 £369

13 Sept £369 £369 £369

20 Sept £359 £359 £359

27 Sept £329 £329 £329

04 Oct £289 £289 £289

11 Oct £279 £279 £279

18 Oct £269 £269 £269

25 Oct £269 £269 £269


Supplements per person 8 Days:Imperial: Premier Room £35

Ocean View: Premier Room £50 -Sea View Room £15Abbey Lawn: Premier Room £50 - Front Facing Room £15


DATE DURATION MYSTERY PRICE

01 June 5 days £20908 June 5 days £20915 June 5 days £20922 June 5 days £20929 June 5 days £20906 July 5 days £20913 July 5 days £20920 July 5 days £20927 July 5 days £20903 August 5 days £21910 August 5 days £21917 August 5 days £21924 August 5 days £21931 August 5 days £20907 September 5 days £20914 September 5 days £20921 September 5 days £209

28 September 5 days £209

MysteryTours*

Once your booking is made, you will be allocated at one of the three resorts featured. Your destination and seat numbers will be advised on receipt of your final

travel document which is issued approx. 2 weeks before travel. terms and conditions of the trading

charter in the main 2015 brochure apply.

Win a holiday for two people with robinsons Holidays to either the Abbey Lawn Hotel in torquay, the Imperial Hotel in Eastbourne or the Ocean view Hotel on the Isle of Wight.

this is your chance to win a holiday for two people for five days. Prize is valid between 1st July 2015 and 30th September 2015.

Simply choose one of the dates from our 2015 main brochure, a copy of which will be sent to you upon publication. Prize includes half board accommodation and coach travel from any pick-up point in our main brochure. Holiday itinerary is as per relevant brochure tour for chosen date.

Win A Robinsons HolidAyName: ----------------------------------------------

Address: -------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------

Postcode: ------------------------------------------

Tel:--------------------------------------------------

Email: ----------------------------------------------

Prize is subject to availability and is non-transferable, non- refundable and has no cash redemption value. Prize can not be auctioned on any web-site or used or offered as a prize for any other competition or as a gift or incentive. Prize is not for re-sale. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Closing date for all entries is 19th June 2015.

Post your entry to McGrath Media, 6th Floor, 120 Bark Street, Bolton BL1 2AX

ROBINSONS HOLIDAYS may wish to contact you about special offers, products or services by post. Please tick this box if you do not wish to receive these details

The Robinsons Differencel Local joining points l No single supplements*l High standard of accommodationl Great choice of menusl Executive coaches with extra legroom

l Includes excursionsl Friendly staffl Own hotels in great locationsl Peace of mind securityl Payment in instalments* Robinsons own hotels

PRICES NOT TO BE MISSED - SAVE UP TO £100*PER COUPLE AT THESE 3 FEATURED RESORTS

!

9 DAYS ~ ONLY STANDARD ROOMS AVAILABLE

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK|14 |14

Tom couldn’t believe it when he was told Elvis and his wife Priscilla had been seen in the foyer of the Flamingo. He thought it was a wind-up but it was true – The King and his entourage, the ‘Memphis Mafia’, had driven from Los Angeles just to see the show. They had been invited by Chris Hutchins, who knew both Colonel Tom Parker and Joe Esposito, Elvis’s road manager, and suggested they come over.

Elvis was curious to see how a performer like Tom would be received in Las Vegas, because he was seriously thinking of making a live comeback there himself. His recording career was in the middle of a slump and he needed something to reinvigorate his career – a problem Tom would also face at a later date.

The lighting in the audience was quite dark, so Tom had to peer into the gloom to see if Elvis was really there. He had been primed by Chris, so he knew what to say if he caught sight of the man.

Eventually, he realised The King was in the very front row. Halfway through the show, he introduced Elvis, who stood up to take a bow, and the place erupted. It went on for ages and ages, until Tom managed to calm everyone down. Elvis eventually sat back down and Tom said, ‘Don’t forget I’m the star here tonight.’ It was a tongue-in-cheek comment, but took some nerve: Tom was just starting his Vegas adventure, whereas Elvis was the biggest star in the world.

After the concert, Elvis and his gang went backstage to congratulate Tom in his dressing room. The ‘Mafia’ usually numbered about half a dozen or so of Elvis’s oldest friends and yes-men. If Elvis told them at breakfast that scarlet was the new colour, they would all have their cars resprayed by lunch.

Linda was at the Flamingo that evening and she sat and chatted with Priscilla. Tom remembers Elvis saying he wanted to watch him in concert to see how he put together his act. Tom and Elvis talked about music, something they both never tired of doing.

Priscilla Presley believes that Elvis took to Tom because he was a real person – ‘someone who was down to earth that

you could talk to, that was not on an ego trip’. Tom’s show also reminded Elvis how it used to be for him: the adulation of the girls, the applause and the fantastic music. He missed it. He also liked the way Tom didn’t take it too seriously. For his part,Tom thought the Presleys were ‘a great couple’. He gave Priscilla an autographed photograph for their daughter Lisa-Marie, who was six months old.

The first meeting went so well that Elvis invited Tom to stay at his holiday villa in Hawaii.When he arrived, Priscilla told him that her husband had popped out to buy a couple of guitars so the two of them would have something to goof around with later.After dinner, the two men enjoyed a sing-song, like a couple of enthusiastic schoolboys, belting out ‘Blue Suede Shoes’, ‘Hound Dog’ and ‘Jailhouse Rock’, as well as ‘It’s Not Unusual’ and Elvis’s favourite, ‘Green, Green Grass of Home’. They jammed together through the night. Tom said simply, ‘I’ll never forget it as long as I live.’

The two men became genuine friends. . Tom spoke graciously of Elvis to the Daily Express: ‘I never sat at his feet looking up to him, because we regarded each other as equals. He was much too modest to be comfortable with someone who fawned around him and was never afraid to admit his own vulnerability – always the mark of the truly great.’

They were rivals, as well as friends, when Elvis began a season at the newly opened International Hotel in July 1969, which two years later was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton. Both shows were ruthlessly

The King and IAn extract from Tom Jones’ biography by Sean Smith - Tom Jones: The LifeCourtesy of HarperCollins. Available through all good book stores and online at Amazon.co.uk.

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 15WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 15

advertised. On one side of the strip the huge billboards read, ‘Elvis Presley is at the International’. On the other side, the hoardings declared,‘Tom Jones is in Town!’

Tom moved briefly to the International too, because its showroom was three times the size of the Flamingo’s. In 1971, he finally settled at Caesars Palace. Elvis, meanwhile, stayed loyal to the Hilton, where he lived in the impressive penthouse, which became known as ‘Party Central’. The two friends would take it in turns to visit each other’s suites.Elvis was a reality check for Tom – a stark example of a road he would go down if he didn’t look after himself. Tom tried to keep in shape. At home in the UK, it was relatively easy, thanks to his fitness complex. On the road or in Vegas, it was more difficult, but he swam and took up squash. In the eighteen months before he opened at the Flamingo, he slimmed down from fifteen to eleven and a half stone. He said goodbye to chips for ever. He never stuffed himself with burgers or other junk food and avoided puddings, preferring a chateaubriand steak for dinner with the finest wines.

Tom didn’t drink before a concert, which was particularly important where the desert air was so dry and put a strain on his voice. His shows were a workout in themselves, because Tom finished dripping with sweat and as much as six pounds lighter. After a show, he took a long, thirty-minute shower and then enjoyed a vodka martini or opened a bottle or two of Dom Pérignon while he socialised. His friend and backing singer Darlene Love became so sick of the constant supply of vintage champagne that she loathes bubbly to this day and only has a glass if it is mixed with orange juice.

Elvis, however, struggled with his weight yo-yoing up and down. Early on, he told Tom that he took pills to stop the pounds piling on. The two men would have many discussions about the merits of drink and drugs.

During one conversation, Elvis told him that he had taken every kind of drug imaginable just to keep his ‘head together’. Elvis asked him what he took to keep sane and Tom replied simply,

‘Nothing, that’s why I feel I am sane.’ Tom’s aversion to drugs is very well known. He told Sylvie Simmons of MOJO magazine a funny story of the evening he went to a party in London thrown by Lulu. A rock star sidled up to him and said, ‘You want to see what’s going on in the kitchen!’ Tom, being Tom, immediately thought it might be something involving one or hopefully two women. He was disappointed to see that the great excitement was a pile of white powder on the kitchen table.‘See you later,’ he said.Elvis never took any drugs in front of Tom – he had too much respect for him. Instead, they would be sitting down, listening to records, when Elvis would suddenly disappear into the bedroom and come out a new man. They would listen to a few more records and then the same thing would happen again.

They may have had differing opinions on drugs, but both Elvis and Tom had similar views on gambling. Although they were the bait to draw thousands of punters into the hotel casinos, they never indulged themselves. That example was not followed by their respective managers, who lost fortunes at the gaming tables. Gordon incurred heavy losses playing blackjack. He was rumoured, in one disastrous night, to have lost the whole of Engelbert’s fee for a year.

Tom just didn’t get the attraction. Why give away so easily what you had worked so hard to earn? One evening at Caesars Palace, Linda came bounding up to him and asked for some money so she and a friend could spend some time at the tables. Tom reached in his pocket and gave her $5. He advised her, ‘Don’t lose it all at once.’

Tom was intrinsically more sociable than Elvis, who preferred quiet evenings in his suite. He loved gospel music and was prepared to stay up even later than Tom, just singing. Tom would say goodnight and be halfway out the door, when Elvis would start something else and Tom would be obliged to go back in and sing another song.

For the most part, they kept their friendship low-key. Elvis would slip into Caesars Palace with a baseball cap over his distinctive black hair and sit at

the back of the room. Disappointingly, Elvis and Tom never sang together in public. Elvis might walk on stage when Tom was performing, but he was under strict contract to another hotel, so he would never join in with a quick chorus of ‘Delilah’. Their duets were private moments and Elvis made it clear that they must never be recorded. His manager, Colonel Parker, had told him that he must ensure there were no bootleg recordings, an instruction he followed religiously. Tom was the same where Gordon was concerned: he never forgot what Gordon said.

When they weren’t singing, they would talk about music. Elvis once suggested they could do a concert together, with The Beatles as their backing group. They could do their own songs, followed by a few duets and the Fab Four could play all the instruments. Elvis asked, ‘Do you think there is a chance we could get them to do it?’ Tom, who still laughs about that conversation, responded:‘It would be fantastic.’

The pair were such good friends, they exchanged rings. Elvis gave Tom a splendid black sapphire ring, which annoyingly disappeared from his hotel bathroom one night on tour – along with the young lady who was using it. Tom, in turn, presented Elvis with a tiger’s eye ring that he knew he liked.

Elvis, for whom death threats were a way of life, was obsessed with firearms and would make sure he was armed even when he used the toilet. He gave Tom a gun with ‘Tom Jones’ engraved on the barrel. Tom has never had to fire his gun, although he made sure he knew how to use it. Perversely, Elvis also gave him a book that he’d enjoyed, entitled The Impersonal Life, a famous text about self-discovery and leading a spiritual life.

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CELEBRITIES

Tom Jones: The Life by Sean Smith (HarperCollins)



When we investigate new apartments or houses with a view to moving, a feeling of space with plenty of natural light in evidence is what we are searching for. It not only makes us feel better but it’s a great way to help reduce energy costs.

Architects and developers know that these elements sell their homes to the public and plan accordingly. But, it may not be quite so easy to harness plenty of natural light and create more space in less modern properties.

Most of the homes built in the UK after World War II favoured smaller, more intimate rooms which were relatively cheap to heat, and this legacy has continued to a lesser extent into the early Noughties.

However, in the last 10 years or so in particular, more of us are demanding

open plan living areas with as much natural light as we can get. In fact, through solar panels in the roof more and more of us even turn natural sunlight to domestic energy to cut household bills.

Getting more fresh air into your home along with that vital light and creating more space for growing families - or simply giving yourself more room to breathe - can be costly if you have to think about remodelling homes or building on large extensions or wings.

So, more and more people are going for a range of other options that still help to bring the outside inside.

CONSERVATORIES are particularly popular for this, not only because they come in such a variety of sizes and styles to suit all kinds of properties but because they are now cheaper and more efficient than ever.

Conservatories enlarge homes and can genuinely enhance the look of a property. They offer a private, bright space for hobbies, for family time or just for reading alone.

They also bring people closer to their gardens, both physically and emotionally, and allow a new perspective on greenery without having to suffer from the vagaries of the British climate.

ORANGERIES are another popular addition to homes, generating extra living space and creating a special place to live – and work if you prefer – in a private but bright room. They tend to contain more brickwork than glass, can be a bigger project to create, but always add elegance to homes.

You can add a bold and unique visual element to your property with a GLASS

Bringing the outside in...NATURAL light and space are among the popular hallmarks of modern homes in 2015 whatever size your property.

HOME


HOME

ROOF EXTENSION. The glass naturally creates a light living space and the beauty of these extensions is that they can be tailor-made into even the most testing of spaces, letting in an unrivalled amount of daylight.

TILED ROOF EXTENSIONS are also designed to look and function like a permanent part of the property. This additional space makes your house a more desirable place to live and, should you come to sell your property, it immediately allows would-be buyers

to envisage using that extra room for their lifestyle needs.

To open up kitchen and living areas, how about installing BIFOLDING DOORS? These clever additions not only look stylish but offer a large area bringing in light, and they can easily fold back to allow in fresh air and the beauty of your garden.

These doors come into their own for families and open up the whole house. Socialising in the kitchen – which often predominates at parties - is then less cramped and more easygoing. Cooking smells vanish and individuals can spill out onto the patio to enjoy the best of the outside in convivial company.

Another clever way to enjoy the outside and still protect yourself from the less attractive parts of the British weather is to install an AWNING. These handsome, often brightly coloured

additions to your home allow you to dine or just sit outside, away from the sun or even drizzle, as an easy extension of your lifestyle.

You can get awnings custom-made to look just right on your home. And the beauty of them is that when you don’t need them they simply fold away until the next time.

Many of us enjoy our gardens and it’s lovely, not only to see close up the fruits of your labours when it comes to admiring the plants, flowers and other greenery, but also because of the health benefits.

Fresh air is good for the digestion, improves your blood pressure and heart-rate, strengthens your immune system and cleans your lungs. It also gives you more energy and sharpens the mind – and, probably the most important thing, it makes you happier!

So it’s worth crafting a lifestyle that takes advantage of Nature’s free gifts, and open up your home to all the best possibilities of living.

The Bed Specialists & Furniture Outlet

We are a family run company with over 20 years experience, priding ourselves

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WN4 0YU (just off J24, M6)Freephone 0800 074 0129www.dreamersbedcentre.co.uk


OUT & ABOUT

For more details visit www.sthelenssinfonietta.co.uk or ring Alan on 01925 291 273 or Colin on 01744 883794

e-mail [email protected] TICKETS: Lyn Wallace on 01744 600846

or 07914 114635

Events are in the United Reformed Church at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.

Thursday 4th June 2pm Oboe & Piano

Jackie Howard and Brenda Redmond

£6Saturday 13th June The Irwell Ensemble

J.S. Bach - Goldberg Variationsarr. Dmitry Sitkovetsky

Schubert - Death and the Maiden Quartet

£10Saturday 4th July

InspirationLynne Rogers (soprano) / Angela Thompson (piano)

£10Saturday 25th JulyFundraising Concert

Sinfonietta players and some local musicians too!

£12Saturday 12th September

Wind ConcertIncluding music by Mozart, Gounod, Gordon Jacob and

Malcolm Arnold.

£10Saturday 24th October

St Helens Town HallThe First Joint Concert

By The Sinfonietta and St Helens Choral SocietySullivan - Overture from The Pirates of Penzance.

Butterworth - The Banks of Green Willow. Tchaikovsky - Capriccio Italien. Rutter - Magnificat

£15

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MANCHESTER FOOT & ANKLE CLINIC www.manchesterfootandankleclinic.com

1 or 2 X pics of Active Older people in this space. To request Dale to provide this.

We offer a complete and comprehensive spectrum of both diagnosis and operative and non-operative treatment for all foot and ankle disorders.

Special interests include sports injuries, arthritis, rheumatoid disease, deformity and aesthetic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery, ankle and toe joint replacement surgery and tendon surgery are routinely performed. Minimally Invasive Surgery and same day discharge. We work closely with specialist podiatrists and orthotics to give you the best possible treatment experience.

Mr Anand Pillai MS, MRCS, FRCS (T&O), FICS Mr Pillai is Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon with University Hospitals South Manchester, Wythenshawe with a special interest in Foot & Ankle Surgery and deformity correction

Consultation at : BMI The Highfield Hospital Manchester Road, Rochdale, OL11 4LZ Tel. 01706 655 121 BMI The Alexandra Hospital Mill Lane, Cheadle, SK8 2PX. Tel. 0161 428 3656 Or Call Neeta on 07592 994 404 Email: [email protected]

MANCHESTER FOOT & ANKLE CLINIC www.manchesterfootandankleclinic.com

1 or 2 X pics of Active Older people in this space. To request Dale to provide this.

We offer a complete and comprehensive spectrum of both diagnosis and operative and non-operative treatment for all foot and ankle disorders.


Mr Anand Pillai MS, MRCS, FRCS (T&O), FICS Mr Pillai is Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon with University Hospitals South Manchester, Wythenshawe with a special interest in Foot & Ankle Surgery and deformity correction

Consultation at : BMI The Highfield Hospital Manchester Road, Rochdale, OL11 4LZ Tel. 01706 655 121 BMI The Alexandra Hospital Mill Lane, Cheadle, SK8 2PX. Tel. 0161 428 3656 Or Call Neeta on 07592 994 404 Email: [email protected]

Mr. Anand PillaiMS, MRCS, FRCS(T&O), FICS

Mr Pillai is a Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon with University Hospitals South Manchester, Wythenshawe with a special interest in Foot & Ankle Surgery and deformity correction.

MANCHESTER FOOT & ANKLE CLINICwww.manchesterfootandankleclinic.comWe offer a complete and comprehensive spectrum of both diagnosis and operative and non-operative treatment for all foot and ankle problems.


Consultation at:

Spire Cheshire Hospital, Fir Tree Close, Stretton, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4LUTel: 0845 602 2500

BMI The Alexandra Hospital, Mill Lane, Cheadle SK8 2PX Tel: 0161 428 3656

To arrange an appointment call or text Neeta on 07592 994 404 | Email: [email protected]

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G I V E Y O U R F E E T A N E W L E A S E O F L I F E

Are you 50+ or 18+You are either reducing your regular hours,

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All enquiries please contact Alex Burt 07890 681051Email:[email protected] Website:www.alexburt.myforever.biz/store

Alex Burt is an independent distributor and Forever are in the Direct Selling Association (DSA).

OUT & ABOUT

A Potter’s Tale: Craft in Wigan Borough exhibitionThursday 2nd April - Saturday 4th July 2015Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU Price: Free

A fabulous new exhibition to celebrate the history of pottery and craft in the Borough over 2000 years. Did you know that Leigh was famous for silk manufacture in the 1800s? Or that Wigan was known for its beautiful clocks, watches and pewterware in the 1700s? Here you can discover everything from crossbows and clocks to bells and silks from the collection, many on display for the first time. This is a collaborative exhibition with Wigan Youth Zone in which young people have been inspired by historic craftsmanship and the latest technology to create their own pots.

Funded by Heritage Lottery Fund Young Roots.

For more information call 01942 828128

Dunham Massey EventsStamford Hospital Garden Fete11th & 12th July 2015 When Dunham was the Stamford Hospital there were two garden fetes held. Bring a picnic to our fete and enjoy playing some traditional games, listen to the brass band, and try your luck at a range of amusements.

Guided Walk - Family WildlifeSaturday 1st August 2015Bring all the family to discover Dunham's deer and other wildlife on a summer walk around the park.

For more Information: Dunham Massey, 0161 941 1025, or email [email protected]

Bury Market has a well deserved reputation for friendly service, fantastic produce and great value.

Located off J2 of the M66 and with over 350 stalls open every Full Market Day it’s easy to find and even easier to enjoy!

Bury Town Centre is also home to the Fusilier Museum, East Lancashire Railway, Bury Transport Museum and Bury Art Gallery.

Bury Market Management:Tel: 0161 253 6520

Email: [email protected]: www.burymarket.com

: @BuryMarket

Bury Market Hall:Open every day except Sunday

Full Markets Open:Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays

“Winner National Coach Tourism Awards”Coach Friendly Shopping Destination

of the Year

“Winner NABMA’s”Best Market Attraction

OUT & ABOUT

Cash (No.1 Johnny Cash Tribute)18th September 2015The Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens, Merseyside WA10 1PX

As is so often the case with unique artists, it takes another one to fully appreciate them. Having lived the life and music of Johnny Cash and other country heroes who came before and since, Ben Welburn, aka CASH, has effortlessly recreated the sound, vibe and appeal of the master himself.

Growing up on a farm in the heart of Yorkshire, music has always been central to Ben’s life. With a Grandfather who was a big band drummer, and a Father with a vast musical collection enthusiastically shared with whoever would listen, music was everywhere. However, it was the music of a certain JR Cash that managed that rare feat of stopping a young and energetic Ben in his tracks.

Ben realised it wasn’t just Cash’s musicality that they had in common. The way Cash stood up prolifically for the working class, and wasn’t some clean cut musical ideal, only served to heighten Ben’s appreciation of the man.

Frontman Ben Welburn says: “I have always felt a bit weird about pretending to be anyone else other than myself, so the concept of being Johnny Cash didn’t really appeal. People were continuously telling me I had to do something with all this Cash stuff, so I decided I would start taking it more seriously, but the word tribute was key. I would pay my respects to the man by getting his stuff out there again; reaching out to established and new fans, but in no way would I try to be him. That is just not doable in my eyes, so I don’t want people thinking I think I am him. Cos I don’t!”

To book, call the Box Office on 01744 735 436.

Spud Wood Stroll27th June 2015Location: Trans Pennine TrailTime: 13:30 - 15:00FREE

A short walk to the east of Lymm using the Trans Pennine Trail, Spud Wood, the Bridgewater Canal.

This was once the main road from Lymm to Manchester (but not since 1824 so it’s fairly quiet nowadays!) Approx 4 miles.

Meet; Ranger Centre off Statham Avenue, Lymm WA13 9NJ

For more information visit www.warrington.gov.uk

Lymm Historic Transport Day28th June 2015Location: Lymm VillageTime: 10:00 - 17:00Cost: Adult £5 Child £3 Family 2+2 £12

One day transport festival with activities for the whole family www.lymmtransport.org.uk

An all day celebration of historic transport featuring working boats, traction engines, classic cars, motor-bikes, bicycles, buses, model railways, model planes, model cars, There are trips available on buses, boats and miniature steam engines. Markets, Food, Drink. All over the village all day.

Batwalk19th July 2015Location: Lymm DamTime: 20:45 - 22:15FREE

Lymm Dam is home to several species of bat.

Catch glimpses as they flit and swoop for insects and hear their calls via bat detectors as we discover their nocturnal world on this night-time walk around the Dam.

Places are limited so please book in advance on 01925 758195.

Meet: the Old Ranger Cabin, off Crouchley Lane, Lymm WA13 0AS



A show to celebrate 70 years this year since the end of World War 2. A tribute to our Armed Forces with great songs and music of the War Years.

Mon 15 June | 2.30pm Tickets £12.50, £10 from 0151 907 8360

www.thebrindley.org.ukThe Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1BG

We’ll Meet Again 2015

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Providing legal services to the

community in the North West since 1947.

01925 550 595

Why it’s so important to make a Will New laws come into operation on 1st October 2014

governing how your estate will be divided up, if you

die without leaving a valid Will. Statutory laws are

regularly reviewed to reflect changes within society and

to prevent iniquity. Some of the changes made relate

to modernising the language used to describe personal

items known as chattels. Old fashioned language

referring to carriages and linen has been brought up to

date, and chattels are now described as anything which is

not monetary, a business asset or an investment.

One change which had been anticipated, given the ever

increasing number of couples who co-habit, has not

been made. There is still no provision in the Intestacy

Rules for the co-habiting partner of a deceased. Many

people mistakenly believe their co-habiting partner will

be able to benefit from their estate, but in order for an

unmarried partner to benefit, they must be able to prove

they have lived together for at least two years before

the date of death, and the surviving partner must make

a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and

Dependants) Act 1975. This is both costly and stressful

and best avoided.

A change which has been made is to the entitlement of a

surviving spouse of a deceased who had no children. Had

this statutory provision been in place a number of years

ago it would have prevented a very upsetting situation

for one of my clients. My client, a widow, who lived with

her husband for a number of years prior to their marriage,

had made a will in similar terms to her husband in each

other’s favour, before they married. What they did not

know was their marriage actually revoked their wills. You

may think, this would be no problem, they were married

after all, and she would benefit. However, under the old

rules, my client was entitled to only the first £250,000 of

her husband’s estate outright. She received 50% of the

remaining balance and the other 50% passed to a niece

and nephew of her husband’s, whom he had not seen

since they were children, some thirty years earlier, before

they moved to America to live! Now under the new rules,

widows, widowers and civil partners without children, will

be entitled to the whole of their spouses’ estate.

The new rules also prevent an unfair situation which

meant orphaned children who were under 18 when their

parent died, and who were then adopted by someone

else lost their inheritance from their natural parent.

Canter Levin & Berg Offer Discounted Services For Age UK Mid Mersey Clients

In order to make it easier for you to obtain professional advice from qualified lawyers we run advice clinics in the Mid Mersey Information and Advice Offices in Golden Square, Warrington, Claughton Street in St. Helens and Church Street in Runcorn.

Canter Levin & Berg offer a 5% discount on the standard costs of our Will service to Age UK Mid Mersey clients.

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 25www.clblaw.co.uk

Hopefully, you will not be affected by dementia or a stroke, but making a

Lasting Power of Attorney is a little bit like an insurance policy.

Plan for the futureA survey undertaken by YouGov, commissioned by Alzheimer’s Research UK, reveals that 31% of respondents, across all ages, fear suffering from dementia more than any other illness. Statistics provided by the Alzheimer’s Society reveal there are almost 700,000 people in the UK with dementia, while the Stroke Association estimates that 130,000 people have a stroke every year. It is likely you know someone who has been affected, and who is unable to manage their financial affairs, or make decisions about their wellbeing.

Although many of us are concerned for the future, it is surprising how many of us fail to take advice about protecting our assets and planning for the future by making a will or lasting power of attorney.

Hopefully, you will not be affected by dementia or a stroke, but making a Lasting Power of Attorney is a little bit like an insurance policy. You hope you will never need to use it, but it’s good to have the security of knowing it’s in place if you do!

In order to make it easier for you to obtain professional advice from qualified lawyers we run advice clinics in the Mid Mersey Information and Advice offices in Golden Square Warrington, Claughton Street in St Helens and Church Street, Runcorn. We offer discounts to Age UK Mid Mersey clients, upon production of/or reference to this advert, we are offering a special discount of 15% on our standard costs for making and registering your Lasting Power of Attorney.

While making your will, don't forget to make a Lasting Power of Attorney


THE LIVES of loved ones are being marked by the new Dedicate A Daisy campaign launched by Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

In return for a donation to the Hospice, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses across Wigan and Leigh, the name of a beloved friend or relative will be handwritten onto a beautiful wooden daisy.

Daisies will be planted in the Hospice gardens until a special ceremony on September 6th when all those who have made a dedication can collect their daisy.Alternatively, your daisy can be taken home straight away.

The Hospice is currently raising £60,000 for the Counting on Care appeal to support the cost of modernising the 14-bed Inpatient Unit and making it dementia-friendly. All proceeds from Dedicate A Daisy will go towards the appeal.

Maxine Armstrong, Fundraising and Lottery Manager, said: “Dedicate A Daisy is a simple and meaningful way to support our Counting on Care appeal. A lot of people tell us that they would like some sort of memorial to their loved one at the Hospice so dedicating one of our beautiful

wooden daisies will give families that opportunity.”

Andrea O’Hagan-Waite, 47, from Springfield will be dedicating a daisy each to her dad Tommy O’Hagan and her father-in-law Arthur Waite.

“My dad liked being in the garden and I do too so I think dedicating a daisy is a really nice idea,” said Andrea.

“My children have lost two granddads and neither has got a gravestone so we don’t have a place to visit either of them but we can put a daisy in the garden or in a pot in their house as a way of remembering.”

The redesign of the Inpatient Unit will focus on improvements to the 14 bedrooms and to the corridor and bays leading to the bedrooms.

New signage, flooring and lighting will help people with dementia to better navigate the Inpatient Unit and feel more comfortable in their surroundings.

Artwork based on local scenes will help with reminiscence while new décor, including bedding, carpets, curtains and furniture will be introduced to all bedrooms so that patients with dementia feel less disoriented in unfamiliar surroundings.

Dedicate A Daisy by filling in the form below, email: [email protected], telephone 01942 525566 or download a form from www.wlh.org.uk.

Other ways to support Counting on Care:

• Text a donation. Text HSPC02 plus the amount you wish to donate to 70070. So, to donate £5, text HSPC02 £5.

• Hold a fundraising event. No matter how big or small these really do make a huge difference.

• Visit the Campaign page at www.justgiving.com/wlh/

• Call the fundraising team or send a cheque. Please make clear that your donation is for the Counting on Care appeal.

DEDICATE A DAISY TO A LOVED ONE


Cook with the stars!John Torode, Paul Hollywood and James Martin

JERK CHICKENSERVES 6To get a more authentic jerk experience, add some wood chips to your barbecue and cook your chicken thighs or legs over slow indirect heat for the bestflavour. Alternatively enjoy a beautiful jerk chicken breast cooked over a high heat – it should be ready in 10 minutes or less.

12 chicken thighs, bone in,or 8 large chicken breasts

MARINADE1 large bunch spring onions, or 2 smaller bunches2 tbsp soy sauce2 tbsp vegetable oil1 tbsp saltjuice of 1 lime1 /2 tsp dried thyme, or 1 tbspfresh thyme1 tbsp allspice berries1-10 scotch bonnets (start witha small amount and addmore later if you think itneeds it)1 thumb-sized piece ginger3 garlic cloves1 /2 small onion2-3 tbsp of brown sugar

To make the marinade, put all the ingredients in a blender and process until you have a purée. Don’t add more water if you’re having trouble getting it all blended, just keep turning off theblender, stirring it up with a spatula, and trying again. Eventually it will start to blend up nicely. Now taste it. It should taste pretty salty, but not unpleasantly puckeringly salty. You can also nowthrow in more chillies if it’s not spicy enough for you. If you think it tastes too salty and sour, try adding a bit more brown sugar until things seem good and balanced.

Put the chicken pieces in a bowl, cover with the marinade and leave overnight. Next day, cook the chicken over a smoky fire for 15 to 20 minutes, turning about six times during cooking.

CHICKEN WITHCOCONUT DRESSINGSERVES 6

50g palm sugar50ml fish sauce400g can coconut milk6 chicken thigh fillets

2 red Thai shallots1 /2 red pepper, cut into julienne2 small red chillies, cut intojulienne50g cucumber, cut intojulienne10g roasted peanuts4 lime leaves, cut into very finejulienne30 coriander leaves6 squares banana leaf, to serve

Bring the palm sugar, fish sauce and coconut milk to the boil in alarge saucepan, add the chicken and poach until the chicken iscooked through. Leave to cool.

Mix the other ingredients (except the banana leaves) together in abowl. When the chicken is cool, cut it into 1cm thick strips andtoss into the salad.

Lay a banana leaf at the centre of each plate and pile on thesalad. Drizzle with some of the poaching liquid and serve.

John Torode

FOOD & DRINK

SERVES 5This is the original portable meal, eaten by Cornish tin miners and farm labourers. The pastry had to be robust to make it portable, and it was quite common to have a savoury filling at one end, sweet at the other. It now has protected status and must be made in Cornwall. The vegetables need to be cut thinly so they almost melt into the meat on cooking, and the crimping is all-important. I was told that you need 21 crimps to make a proper pasty.

Pastry450g plain flour½ tsp salt115g cold lard, diced75g cold unsalted butter, dicedAbout 90ml ice-cold water1 egg, lightly beaten, to glaze

Paul Hollywood

Filling1 large onion120g swede1 large floury potato, such as King Edward or Maris Piper400g beef skirt50g butterSalt and pepper

EQUIPMENTA 24cm plate (to use as a guide)

1. To make the pastry, mix the flour and salt in a large bowl, add the lard and butter and rub in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in enough water to make a fairly firm dough, then knead briefly until smooth. Shape into a ball, wrap in cling film and chill for at least 30 minutes.

CORNISH PASTIES2. For the filling, slice the onion finely; cut the swede and potato into small, thin strips; keep each separate. Cut the beef into small, thin pieces and divide into 5 portions.

3. Heat the oven to 200°C/Gas 6. Divide the pastry into 5 equal pieces. Roll each out on a lightly floured surface to a 3mm thickness and cut out a 24cm circle, using a plate as a guide.

4. Scatter a scant layer of swede on the pastry semi-circle, leaving a 1cm border. Add a similar layer of potato, season lightly and top with some onion. Repeat the swede and potato layers, seasoning as you go. Check the pasty will close, then add the beef. Add a final layer of onion, season and dot with butter.

5. Brush the pastry border with a little beaten egg, then close the lid of the pasty, making sure that the edges meet. Press together firmly and then crimp the edges together by pinching all the way round between your thumb and forefinger.

6. Fill and seal the remaining circles of pastry in the same way. Place the pasties on 2 baking trays and cut 2 small slits in the middle of each one. Brush the pastry with beaten egg. Bake for 20 minutes, then lower the oven setting to 160°C/Gas 3 and bake for 30 minutes longer. Best eaten hot from the oven.

FOR MORE FOODIE ARTICLES VISIT WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

FOOD & DRINK



POLLO ALLA CACCIATORAHUNTER’S CHICKEN

SERVES 4 This classic Italian dish is renowned all over the world and often seen on the menus of Italian restaurants. The title alla cacciatora (‘in the style of the hunter’) suggests it was probably first made with game birds or rabbit.

However, as with many Italian dishes, it also has roots in the cucina povera, when people used whatever meagre ingredients they had to hand; in this case, a chicken or, more likely, an old hen, was slaughtered for a special occasion and, to make it go further, enriched with whatever vegetables and herbs were available in the garden as well as a splash of homemade wine. It is made all over Italy and here I have recreated it in the way it is normally made in my region of Campania, using lots of herbs and fresh tomatoes. I like to serve this rustic dish with slices of toasted country bread drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.

Rub the chicken pieces all over with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan, add the chicken and seal well all over.

Add the onion, garlic, chilli and herbs and cook for a couple of minutes on a medium heat. Add the wine, increase the heat and allow the wine to evaporate slightly. Add the diluted tomato purée, then stir in the cherry tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid and cook gently for 1¼ hours, until the chicken is cooked through; the flesh should come away from the bone and there should be no sign of pink when you pierce the thickest part. Serve hot.

For a slow cookerHeat the oil in a large deep frying pan and cook the chicken as above. Continue as above, add the tomatoes, plus 300ml/10fl oz/1¼ cups chicken stock. Bring to the boil, then transfer to a large slow cooker pot. Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or until there are no pink juices when the chicken is pierced with a small knife.

750g/1lb 10oz chicken thighs and drumsticks salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 large onion, finely sliced 1 garlic clove, crushed and left whole 1 small red chilli, sliced2 sprigs of rosemary 2 sprigs of thymea handful of parsley, roughly chopped 2 bay leaves 4 sage leaves 125ml/4fl oz/½ cup dry white wine 1½ tbsp tomato purée (paste), dissolved in 3 tbsp lukewarm water175g/6oz cherry tomatoes, halved James Martin

Bury Market, winner of BBC Radio 4’s Food and Farming Awards (Best Food Market) really has it all.

With over 350 stalls open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday you will find our friendly traders sell everything you need for making delicious home-cooked meals.

Great quality produce at great value prices, brought fresh to market every day!

Tel: 0161 253 6520 Email: [email protected]

Web: www.burymarket.com

: @BuryMarket

Your perfect recipe needs top quality ingredients...

Bury Market

FOOD & DRINK

Gary Moore is proud to have successfully qualifi ed as one of the fi rst Clinical Dental Technicians in the UK.

For over 25 years Gary has been at the forefront of his profession, originally qualifying as a Dental Technician in 1986 and 4 years later established his own Dental Laboratory in Warrington. The skills he developed

create dentures with the utmost accuracy and fi nese.

Denture Problems:Are you afraid to smile?Do you feel self-conscious?Do you feel embarrassed?Do you have problems choosing foods?Do you have worn down teeth or gum disease?Have you lost volume and support in your face?Do you look older as a consequence?

If YES to any of the above then visit Smiles & More denture clinic and see the diff erence our experts can make to your life.

Our dentures are individually made to suit the shape of your face and bring out your best features. If you have experienced tooth loss then Smiles & More dentures off er a dual eff ect by adding volume to your face and restoring your smile; our denture experts

youthful appearance.

Denture AdviceHave your dentures checked at least every 2 years (adjustments made early enough can prolong the life of your teeth).

Ideally your dentures should be changed every 5 years to avoid problems with loss of facial support, chewing ability and fi t.

Regularly clean your dentures - maybe with a professional cleaning service around every 6 months.

Always have a spare set available so that you are not without your teeth when emergencies happen!

If they do, then Smiles & More can make you a new denture in

Giving you more to smile about!Experience Smiles & More and you’ll never look back!

We Love What We Do!The answer to loose denturesImplant Retained Dentures

our Clinical Denture Technicians also

years, by improving chewing and restoring your appearance. They give you the ability to eat well, whilst looking good and smiling.

Say goodbye to denture adhesives, sore spots and embarrassing moments with Implant Retained Dentures that allow you to bite comparable to natural teeth. Dental Implants are small

teeth. They fuse with your jaw bone to give a more secure fi t. You can eat, talk and laugh freely without having to worry about what your denturesare doing.

Advantages of Implant Retained Dentures• A stable more secure fi t of your

dentures.• Less palate covering the roof of

your mouth.• Improved taste and speech.• Bite similar to own natural teeth.• Restored chewing ability.• Greater enjoyment of food.• • Eliminate most pressure points and

sore spots.

Get the best advice and support you need from our experts to feel confi dent about your dentures.

Our bespoke denture service is improving the lives of many. The results we achieve speak for themselves:

with my smile, I went for a FREE

were so helpful and discussed all my

decision to have Dental Implants with Implant Retained Dentures. I have

improved my quality of life, giving me more confi dence and freedom. I couldn’t be happier!”Lynn, Penketh

“Thank you for my lovely new teeth that feel so natural, everyone says they can’t tell I wear dentures anymore as my appearance looks so natural. Thanks for making me feel so comfortable.”M Hough, Cheshire

“Thank you so much. You have made me feel like a new woman! Your

personifi ed. You are brilliant. Many many thanks.”D Davies, Widnes

trying to make the denture he made for me feel more comfortable, he gave up! Then I saw the Smiles & More advert,

to lose. Four visits with Gary and I now

completely changed my life! I can eat, talk and smile with no worries. I can’t recommend them enough.”Barbara Harris, Wirral

At Smiles & More we want to give you the smile you have always wanted - increasing both your confi dence and self-esteem, and

we believe in giving you a new smile at an aff ordable price.

Gary Moore Dip Cdt Rcs (ENG) - GDC Number 118911Principal Clinical Dental Technician

With over 25 years experience, every denture Smiles &

Our high quality dentures are made using the latest

within your price range.

As well as being extremely aff ordable, your dentures will be designed to match your skin tone and fi t comfortably, ensuring your brand new smile feels as good as it looks.

We can transform the way you look and feel for less than you might think.Smiles & More also off er denture implants and implant retained dentures which are becoming a very

and confi dence (our implants are placed by one of our preferred Impmplantologists).

Smiles & More really is the place to come for dentures. You’ll be treated

making sure you get exactly whatyou want.

We have clinics throughout the region including Warrington, Widnes and Wirral.

To book a FREEcall us on 0151 345 7878

[email protected]

Denturesfrom £295

• • Immediate Dentures• Implant Retained Dentures• New Dentures is 24 Hours• Denture Repairs

Gary Moore is proud to have successfully qualifi ed as one of the fi rst Clinical Dental Technicians in the UK.

For over 25 years Gary has been at the forefront of his profession, originally qualifying as a Dental Technician in 1986 and 4 years later established his own Dental Laboratory in Warrington. The skills he developed

create dentures with the utmost accuracy and fi nese.

Denture Problems:Are you afraid to smile?Do you feel self-conscious?Do you feel embarrassed?Do you have problems choosing foods?Do you have worn down teeth or gum disease?Have you lost volume and support in your face?Do you look older as a consequence?

If YES to any of the above then visit Smiles & More denture clinic and see the diff erence our experts can make to your life.

Our dentures are individually made to suit the shape of your face and bring out your best features. If you have experienced tooth loss then Smiles & More dentures off er a dual eff ect by adding volume to your face and restoring your smile; our denture experts

youthful appearance.

Denture AdviceHave your dentures checked at least every 2 years (adjustments made early enough can prolong the life of your teeth).

Ideally your dentures should be changed every 5 years to avoid problems with loss of facial support, chewing ability and fi t.

Regularly clean your dentures - maybe with a professional cleaning service around every 6 months.

Always have a spare set available so that you are not without your teeth when emergencies happen!

If they do, then Smiles & More can make you a new denture in

Giving you more to smile about!Experience Smiles & More and you’ll never look back!

We Love What We Do!The answer to loose denturesImplant Retained Dentures

our Clinical Denture Technicians also

years, by improving chewing and restoring your appearance. They give you the ability to eat well, whilst looking good and smiling.

Say goodbye to denture adhesives, sore spots and embarrassing moments with Implant Retained Dentures that allow you to bite comparable to natural teeth. Dental Implants are small

teeth. They fuse with your jaw bone to give a more secure fi t. You can eat, talk and laugh freely without having to worry about what your denturesare doing.

Advantages of Implant Retained Dentures• A stable more secure fi t of your

dentures.• Less palate covering the roof of

your mouth.• Improved taste and speech.• Bite similar to own natural teeth.• Restored chewing ability.• Greater enjoyment of food.• • Eliminate most pressure points and

sore spots.

Get the best advice and support you need from our experts to feel confi dent about your dentures.

Our bespoke denture service is improving the lives of many. The results we achieve speak for themselves:

with my smile, I went for a FREE

were so helpful and discussed all my

decision to have Dental Implants with Implant Retained Dentures. I have

improved my quality of life, giving me more confi dence and freedom. I couldn’t be happier!”Lynn, Penketh

“Thank you for my lovely new teeth that feel so natural, everyone says they can’t tell I wear dentures anymore as my appearance looks so natural. Thanks for making me feel so comfortable.”M Hough, Cheshire

“Thank you so much. You have made me feel like a new woman! Your

personifi ed. You are brilliant. Many many thanks.”D Davies, Widnes

trying to make the denture he made for me feel more comfortable, he gave up! Then I saw the Smiles & More advert,

to lose. Four visits with Gary and I now

completely changed my life! I can eat, talk and smile with no worries. I can’t recommend them enough.”Barbara Harris, Wirral

At Smiles & More we want to give you the smile you have always wanted - increasing both your confi dence and self-esteem, and

we believe in giving you a new smile at an aff ordable price.

Gary Moore Dip Cdt Rcs (ENG) - GDC Number 118911Principal Clinical Dental Technician

With over 25 years experience, every denture Smiles &

Our high quality dentures are made using the latest

within your price range.

As well as being extremely aff ordable, your dentures will be designed to match your skin tone and fi t comfortably, ensuring your brand new smile feels as good as it looks.

We can transform the way you look and feel for less than you might think.Smiles & More also off er denture implants and implant retained dentures which are becoming a very

and confi dence (our implants are placed by one of our preferred Impmplantologists).

Smiles & More really is the place to come for dentures. You’ll be treated

making sure you get exactly whatyou want.

We have clinics throughout the region including Warrington, Widnes and Wirral.

To book a FREEcall us on 0151 345 7878

[email protected]

Denturesfrom £295

• • Immediate Dentures• Implant Retained Dentures• New Dentures is 24 Hours• Denture Repairs

Warrington 01925 231601Wirral 0151 342 9665Widnes 0151 420 7511

THETHETHETOP 20TOP 20TOP 20TOP 20TOP 20TOP 20TOP 20

MISCONCEPTIONS

1. Coffee is made from beans (74%)It is actually made from a seed called a bean.

2. Chameleons change colour to match their surroundings (69%)Chameleons change as a response to mood, temperature, communication and light instead of the object they are touching.

6. You lose your body

heat fastest through

your head (53%)

This is a myth, experts say

humans would be just as cold if they went

without a hat as if they went without trousers.

3. Mount Everest is the ‘tallest’ mountain in the world (57%)The summit of Mount Everest is higher above sea level than the summit of any other mountain, but Mauna Kea is the tallest when measured from base to summit.

1. Coffee is made from beans (74%)

4. The Great Wall of China can be

seen from space (55%)

The Apollo astronauts confi rmed that you can’t

see the Great Wall of China from the Moon. In

fact, all you can see from the Moon is the white

and blue marble of our home planet.

5.One human year is equivalent to seven dog years (53%)It depends on the size and breed of the dog.

5.One human year is equivalent to seven





7. The Earth revolves around the Sun (53%)Technically, what is going on is that the Earth, Sun and all the planets are orbiting around the centre of mass of the solar system.

9. Peanuts are a type of nut (47%)Peanuts, along with beans and peas, belong to the single plant family, Leguminosae.

8. Different parts of your tongue

detects different tastes (51%)

This was scientifi cally disproven by later

research; all taste sensations come from all

regions of the tongue, although different parts

are more sensitive to certain tastes.

beans and peas, belong to the single plant family,


10. Giving children sugar makes them hyper (47%)This is not the case, most research has concluded that sugar does not cause hyperactivity.

11. Humans have five senses (46%)It turns out, there are at least nine senses and most researchers think there are more like twenty-one or so.

12. Fortune cookies are a

Chinese tradition (45%)

This was in fact invented by the Americans.

14. Vikings wore

horned helmets (43%)

There is no evidence to suggest

Vikings ever wore

horned helmets.

13. Sushi means ‘raw fish’ (43%)

Sushi actually translates as sour-tasting.


14. Vikings wore

Sushi actually translates as

15. The forbidden fruit mentioned

in the Book of Genesis is an

apple (43%)The bible never mentions

the forbidden fruit was an apple.

16. Vitamin C is an effective treatment for a cold (41%)Most experts have stated there is little or no evidence that vitamin C can help treatment of a cold.

17. Penguins mate for life (41%)

Penguins are mostly monogamous, however

there are some species like the Emperor

Penguin which is serially monogamous, they

mate with one couple for the

whole season but the next

year they will probably

mate with another

penguin as the

urgent need for

breeding will

make them

avoid waiting

for the same

couple the

following year.







mate with another

urgent need for

18. Caffeine dehydrates you (41%)While caffeinated drinks may have a mild diuretic effect — meaning that they may cause the need to urinate — they don’t appear to increase the risk of dehydration.

avoid waiting

for the same

following year.following year.

dehydrates you

drinks may have a mild diuretic effect — meaning that they may cause the need to urinate — they don’t appear to increase the risk of dehydration.

19. When in London, you are merely six feet away from a rat (39%)This is just a rough estimate as rodents are not evenly spread apart.

20. There is a

dark side of

the moon (37%)

As the Moon is

constantly rotating

on its own axis,

there is no area of

the planetoid which

is in permanent

darkness.

20. There is a

dark side of

the moon (37%)

As the Moon is

constantly rotating

on its own axis,

there is no area of

the planetoid which

is in permanent

darkness.

14. Vikings wore



Vikings ever wore

horned helmets.

sour-tasting.


urinate — they don’t appear to increase the risk of dehydration.

19. When in London, you are merely six feet away from a rat (39%)

The bible never mentions

15. The forbidden

Courtesy of Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Londonwww.ripleyslondon.com

Experts have revealed a list of modern life’s top

misconceptions – including the mistaken belief that

coffee is made from beans and chameleons change

colour to match their surroundings.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! London compiled the list

of ‘faux facts’, many of which are passed round daily

and we’re sure you will be familiar with.

We have included the top

20 for your reading pleasure.

Top 20 Myths Article.indd 2-3 19/05/2015 14:29

THETHETHETOP 20TOP 20TOP 20TOP 20TOP 20TOP 20TOP 20

MISCONCEPTIONS

1. Coffee is made from beans (74%)It is actually made from a seed called a bean.

2. Chameleons change colour to match their surroundings (69%)Chameleons change as a response to mood, temperature, communication and light instead of the object they are touching.



your head (53%)

This is a myth, experts say


without a hat as if they went without trousers.

3. Mount Everest is the ‘tallest’ mountain in the world (57%)The summit of Mount Everest is higher above sea level than the summit of any other mountain, but Mauna Kea is the tallest when measured from base to summit.

1. Coffee is made from beans (74%)

4. The Great Wall of China can be

seen from space (55%)

The Apollo astronauts confi rmed that you can’t

see the Great Wall of China from the Moon. In

fact, all you can see from the Moon is the white


5.One human year is equivalent to seven dog years (53%)It depends on the size and breed of the dog.

5.One human year is equivalent to seven





7. The Earth revolves around the Sun (53%)Technically, what is going on is that the Earth, Sun and all the planets are orbiting around the centre of mass of the solar system.

9. Peanuts are a type of nut (47%)Peanuts, along with beans and peas, belong to the single plant family, Leguminosae.

8. Different parts of your tongue

detects different tastes (51%)

This was scientifi cally disproven by later

research; all taste sensations come from all

regions of the tongue, although different parts


beans and peas, belong to the single plant family,


10. Giving children sugar makes them hyper (47%)This is not the case, most research has concluded that sugar does not cause hyperactivity.

11. Humans have five senses (46%)It turns out, there are at least nine senses and most researchers think there are more like twenty-one or so.

12. Fortune cookies are a

Chinese tradition (45%)


14. Vikings wore



Vikings ever wore

horned helmets.

13. Sushi means ‘raw fish’ (43%)

Sushi actually translates as sour-tasting.


14. Vikings wore

Sushi actually translates as


in the Book of Genesis is an

apple (43%)The bible never mentions

the forbidden fruit was an apple.

16. Vitamin C is an effective treatment for a cold (41%)Most experts have stated there is little or no evidence that vitamin C can help treatment of a cold.

17. Penguins mate for life (41%)







mate with another

penguin as the

urgent need for

breeding will

make them

avoid waiting

for the same

couple the

following year.







mate with another

urgent need for

18. Caffeine dehydrates you (41%)While caffeinated drinks may have a mild diuretic effect — meaning that they may cause the need to urinate — they don’t appear to increase the risk of dehydration.

avoid waiting

for the same

following year.following year.

dehydrates you

drinks may have a mild diuretic effect — meaning that they may cause the need to urinate — they don’t appear to increase the risk of dehydration.

19. When in London, you are merely six feet away from a rat (39%)This is just a rough estimate as rodents are not evenly spread apart.

20. There is a

dark side of

the moon (37%)

As the Moon is

constantly rotating

on its own axis,

there is no area of

the planetoid which

is in permanent

darkness.

20. There is a

dark side of

the moon (37%)

As the Moon is

constantly rotating

on its own axis,

there is no area of

the planetoid which

is in permanent

darkness.

14. Vikings wore



Vikings ever wore

horned helmets.

sour-tasting.


urinate — they don’t appear to increase the risk of dehydration.

19. When in London, you are merely six feet away from a rat (39%)

The bible never mentions

15. The forbidden

Courtesy of Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Londonwww.ripleyslondon.com

Experts have revealed a list of modern life’s top

misconceptions – including the mistaken belief that

coffee is made from beans and chameleons change

colour to match their surroundings.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! London compiled the list

of ‘faux facts’, many of which are passed round daily

and we’re sure you will be familiar with.

We have included the top

20 for your reading pleasure.

Top 20 Myths Article.indd 2-3 19/05/2015 14:29


10%Discount

from final billThe price is FROM £300.00 + VAT but the discount is 10% off the final bill,

valid from Friday 1st May until Tuesday 30th June 2015.Quote ‘50 Plus’ for a 10% discount on your Will

Contact us on

0800 160 1144or email us

[email protected]

Kathleen Goddard - Director Mark Smith - Director Sharon Boardman - Paralegal(Wills & Probate)


Protect your family with Powers of Attorney...

Please feel free to contact us at Goddard Smith Solicitors, 685 Ormskirk Road, Wigan, WN5 8AQ Telephone 0845 304 1144 or email [email protected] or check our website;-

www.goddardsmith.co.uk

Alzheimer’s and/or Accidents can affect lots of families every day that is why you should always have a back-up plan to protect your family and there is no better way to do this than to consider implementing a Power of Attorney to protect your family.

Goddard Smith Solicitors are here to help you and your family protect what is yours, we will guide you through the processes, take things at your pace and most of all we never forget that we work for you.

There is no specific age when you should consider making a Power of Attorney, as you can imagine each case has its own variables we are all individuals.

There are 2 types of Power of Attorney Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney and Property and Financial affairs Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney empowers whoever you have chosen to make decisions about your daily routine (e.g. washing, dressing, eating etc.), medical care, moving into a care home and life-sustaining treatment and Property.

Property and Financial affairs Lasting Power of Attorney empowers whoever you have chosen to make decisions about managing a bank or building society account, paying bills, collecting benefits or a pension and selling your home.

Prices start from as little as £300.00 for a Power of Attorney.

We at Goddard Smith Solicitors want to help you protect yourself and your family so we are offering ½ hours FREE consultation and all fees and charges are discussed fully before agreeing to anything. As we are all aware anyone can have an accident and it can be life changing, it can affect your mental and physical abilities and lots of other complications can occur too.

Also thinking and talking about what would happen if our faculties deserted us is uncomfortable; it is important to consider how much worse the situation would be if you had an accident or a stroke, or started to show the signs of dementia without sorting your affairs out, remember anyone can suffer from Alzheimer’s it is NOT an old people’s disease.

Alzheimer’s is one of the most devastating illness any family has to face; it is the most common cause of dementia.

Alzheimer’s will affect over 520,000 people in the UK by 2015, the new estimates suggest that the number of cases of early-onset dementia in the UK, include over 700 cases for 30 year olds, over 2,000 cases for 40 year olds and nearly 8,000 new cases were for people in their 50’s, the next peak came from people in their 60’s with over 32,000 cases.

There are lots of symptoms including mood changes, feeling sad, angry, scared or frustrated, the affected person, also suffers from increasing memory loss,

problems communicating and reasoning; this in turn can affect people’s confidence and/or communication abilities.

This disease can affect every day activities and everyone will be involved that is why you must ALL consider looking after your love ones!!

This information is quite frightening, so please consider your family and make time to put your wishes in writing now by implementing a Power of Attorney. Usually once this has been organised and completed many people say they find this empowering and reassuring.

It takes you 30 minutes to watch an episode of Coronation Street, do you remember Haley Cropper?

It only 30 minutes to make a Power of Attorney.

It’s all too easy to put these things off, you can only set up a Lasting Power of Attorney when you have mental capacity and once you have lost capacity it is TOO LATE. If you do put it off your loved ones will need to apply through the court of protection which can be a very lengthy and expensive process.

Don’t put off today something you may not be able to do tomorrow, contact Sharon Boardman on 01942 225 082 to help you.

The Personal Touch at Victoria HouseHere at Victoria House we provide residential care for older people and are registered for older persons with dementia. The home is under new management and bringing new ideas with a fresh approach to care.

With over 20 years delivering highly professional and friendly care services for the elderly, the management and staff here at Victoria House pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming environment.

When people have worked hard throughout their life and have been committed to helping others, we think they deserve extra cherishing. They need a home where individuality is emphasised, with staff who have time to give attention to small detail, and where they have the choice of enjoying the company of like-minded fellow Residents.

FIRST CLASS CAREOur person centred approach and care policy extends to six basic values and as such, our aim is to create a ‘A Home For Living In’. These basic values are: Privacy, Dignity, Independence, Choice, Rights and Fulfilment.

Twenty-four hour dedicated Service User care is provided and the care staff enables our Service Users to maintain their independence, rights and choices in order to live their lives

to the full. Service users are encouraged to express their individuality and we welcome people’s personal belongings to be brought into the home.

Earlier in the year we had a very successful ‘Dignity Day’ which was a special day for everyone involved. There was a 1940s theme ‘Digni-tea’ that was held between 2-4pm on Friday 7th February, where classic songs from the era were playing to raise awareness of Dignity. A ‘Digni-Tree’ was also made and the service users were encouraged to write on a heart shaped leaf about what dignity means to them.

There is a key worker system in operation providing our Service Users with a high standard of holistic care, meeting each individual’s needs, which will be identified through assessment and formulation of the Care Plan; the emphasis being to provide our Service Users with the ability to make choices, in order to make their own decisions regarding their care.

We are pleased to accept Service Users (Residents) for long term, and short term for convalescence and holiday stays.

We understand that moving to a home is a big decision for you and your family so we welcome you to come along and have a coffee, chat and a walk round the home; you can even try out our wonderful food, if notice is given.

We welcome you to spend the day here free of charge to join in the activities, have your lunch and see for yourself if Victoria House is the place for you. Just give us a ring to organise a date.

We look forward to welcoming you at Victoria House.


The eyes, nose and teeth are the focal points of every face; they give the first impressions of your personality. Natural teeth grow in proportion and in harmony with your facial features and your dentures should be made accordingly.

Your teeth, or your dentures, have many important functions: to support your facial muscles, to help formulate your speech, and most importantly to chew your food and start the digestive process.

It is very important to chew food properly, as poorly chewed food will take longer to digest, especially for the elderly who could risk problems in the digestive system.

Difficulties in Constructing a Good Set of DenturesConstructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is the most difficult task in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone. In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth.

In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally. We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement. At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional. Denture construction is more art than science.

Choice of DenturesThere are three main quality standards in denture materials:

Denture Base Acrylics: standard quality, ultra impact much stronger non brittle and the latest thermoplastic.

Denture Teeth: 2-layer acrylic very basic and inexpensive, 3-layer acrylic re-enforced much harder, 4-layer composite extra hard and natural looking.

However, good materials on their own will not make good dentures. A skilful and experienced clinician and technician are required. The best results are achieved when the whole job is done by the same person.

Your Dentures need Attention1. When they become loose.2. When teeth or denture base discolours.3. When tooth surfaces become flat.4. When denture base does not fit around natural teeth (in partial dentures).5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth.6. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores.

CompleteDenture Service

Summary1. Clean your dentures daily with a denture brush and denture cream.

2. Have your dentures inspected every two years, and re-lined or ultrasonically cleaned.

3. Have a new set made every 5 years if possible.

4. Keep a spare set for emergencies.

5. Remember, dentures do not have to hurt and do not need to be uncomfortable.

This article was written by 50 Plus journalist Sheila Alcock.

9am - 6pm Monday - Friday, 9am - 1pm Saturday

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Your chosen home care provider is there to look after you. They should help you to make your own decisions and support you in maintaining your own independence. That also means treating you with respect, valuing you as a person and respecting your privacy. If you need assistance with tasks such as dressing, bathing and toileting, you have the right to choose your carer, whenever possible. Remember, it’s your care and you have the right to be involved in every aspect of your care. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for a family member or friend to be kept informed about your home care too.

Home care company standardsAll companies have a ‘Statement of Purpose’ that sets out their aims and objectives and the type of the services they offer. If you’re employing a company, they should give you a contract explaining all terms and conditions. This will include things such as their confidentiality policy – for example, how they will hold and use personal data. All home care company employees should also have clear written guidelines and follow robust

How to choose the right Home CareWhether you’re choosing a home care company for a family member or starting to plan for your own future, there are several important things that you should consider. Here are a few useful pointers to help you along the way.

procedures on how to administer and assist with any medication needs.

Before your home care startsIt’s important to always make sure that the home care company you choose visits you at home, before care starts. This will give you the chance to discuss your requirements in detail to ensure that you’re happy with your choice of provider. A good home care company will answer any questions you may have during this visit. The visit will also give the company the opportunity to see the environment in which they will be working. If possible, arrange for a family member or friend to be there when the home care company visits.

So you’re thinking about using a company to provide home care? But how can you make sure that the home care provider you choose treats and cares for you in the right way?

Initial home visit by a home care companyDuring the initial home visit by the home care company, they will carry out a detailed risk assessment of your

home, as well as a manual handling assessment. This is important, as it will identify how the company staff will move you safely around your home, if assistance is required.

All staff should be fully trained on using equipment such as a hoist, to help bear your weight safely, if needed.

Keeping you safe and secure in your own homeIt’s the job of the home care company staff to make sure that you are safe and secure in your own home when they are working with you. Every home care company must have procedures in place to protect those using home care services, to reduce the risk of accidents, and protect people from any form of abuse including physical, emotional and financial abuse. This will also include an agreement about gaining access to your home. Care workers should have ID cards to show their photograph, their name, the company’s name and contact details. Home care companies must also have a policy in place that sets out how staff should handle money, if you ask them to buy things, or to pay a bill for you.

Paying for home care It’s important to know the cost of home care and you should always be provided with a clear idea of costs for home care services. In most cases, companies will charge different rates for home care on weekday, evenings and weekends. There is also often a higher rate on Bank Holidays. Remember to ask if there will be any additional costs that you need to know about.

If you have been assessed by Social Services as being eligible for care and support at home, and Social Services have agreed to, fully or part fund your care (dependant on your financial assessment), you can choose to have the Care Company Social Services appoint, or you can choose to have Social Services provide the money to buy, some or all of, the support you need using something called a “Direct Payment”. The Direct Payment option allows you greater flexibility and freedom in how your care is provided. You can choose to employ your own ‘personal assistant’ or decide to work with the care provider of your choice.

CARE


CARE

Top 10 key questions to ask when choosing a Home Care company• Can the company provide the care needed, and have they

provided care before for someone with similar needs?

• How will the company and staff respect your privacy and dignity?

• Have they taken the time to understand your personal likes and dislikes?

• How do they match the most suitable care worker to your needs? Will they arrive at the time you have requested. Will you always have the same person caring for you. What happens if they are sick or go on holiday?

• What charges will you be expected to pay (Is there a minimum charge)? And how you will be invoiced?

• Is the company insured to protect your safety and interests?

• Do all care workers undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check before being employed? And what ongoing training do they receive?

• Does the company have a copy of its latest inspection report available for you to look at?

• Can the company be contacted outside office hours or in an emergency?

• Will the company give you a copy of their standard contract to read before signing?

Your local Social Services team will be able to advise you further.

Check what you are being chargedAll costs should be written into the contract between you and the company and you should be invoiced at regular intervals for the previous months’ service. In most cases, the home care company will keep timesheets that you will need to sign. Always check that they have logged the correct length of visits. It may seem easier to sign only once a week but if you do this you may be charged the incorrect amount and it will prove difficult to prove otherwise.

Automated care worker monitoringSome home care companies have electronic monitoring so care workers can ‘check in’ using their mobile phone or put a pin number into your landline phone.

There is no cost to you when they use this system and it records the exact length of time that your care provider has been with you. This system also helps the home care company to highlight any missed calls by the care worker, reducing the risk of you not getting a call.

ICare offers a range of services:

Call us to try a complimentary meal and sweet on 0845 604 1125

• A lunch time hot meal delivery service• A weekly frozen delivery service• An ICare Plus service which includes a

15 minute stay where a well-being and safety check will be carried out if needed

• A home shopping service

Do you know a relative or friend that may need a Meals-on-Wheels service?

Healthy eating is essential for everyone. ICare provide nutritious, satisfying meals and tasty desserts. We can also offer meals for special dietary needs, including cultural and religious requirements. Our Community Assistants are helpful, polite and punctual and undergo a rigorous selection process, whereby they are trained and assessed in adult care awareness, police checked and DBS cleared before they can deliver to you.

community meals

Visit our websites at www.icarecuisine.co.uk or www.icaregroup.co.uk

Special offer for a 12 week period a Hot Meal and Sweet just £4.50



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Order online at www.llgwheelchairs.co.uk or call us on 01942 606668 or visit our local showrooms!

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Documents

Wigan & Warrington 43